Each person will be asked to report on their progress online at regular intervals throughout the six-month period.

It is hoped that by making these changes, staff can encourage patients and the public to do the same.

Individuals are able to monitor their own progress and at the end of the six months show improvements.

The campaign, backed by every health board and NHS Trust in Wales, is being led by the Directors of Public Health in Wales and is supported by Public Health Wales and the 1,000 Lives Plus programme.

Bob Hudson, chief executive of Public Health Wales, said: “By leading by example, NHS Wales’ staff will not only improve their own health, but act as ambassadors to their patients and the public on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and its benefits. Improving health is everyone’s business and this campaign will hopefully lead to healthier staff and a healthier nation.”

Those taking part are making great progress by implementing small changes to their lifestyles – and they want to ensure they stay on track over Christmas.

That’s why Champions for Health is offering advice and inspiration to both staff taking part and the public to have a happy, healthy Christmas.

Dr Ruth Hussey, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said: “We know that small, personal lifestyle changes can make a big difference to our health. And this is equally true at Christmas time.

“That’s why I’m delighted that NHS Wales staff, taking part in Champions for Health, are sharing the small changes they are making to have a happy, healthy Christmas.

“They are showing it is possible to have a great Christmas – at the same time as working towards a healthy lifestyle.”

With Christmas approaching, many staff are determined to maintain their goals and want to inspire others to be fit and healthy.

Zoe Whale, a training manager from Velindre NHS Trust, Cardiff, is currently trying to ensure she eats five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and drinks within safe guidelines.

She believes the key to surviving the festive season is planning.

She said:“I am determined to keep on track and believe the only way I can do this is by planning when I’m going to have alcohol and when I’m not. It’s so easy to over-indulge at Christmas because I always have more drinks in the house and socialise more with friends and family.

“But what has changed thanks to Champions for Health is my awareness of what drinking safely means and making small changes like only having alcohol when I really fancy it and drinking water with wine has already made a difference.

“As for fruit and vegetables I know this will be easy to do as I pack my Christmas lunch with them and snack on oranges and nuts so my family benefits too.”

Wales 400 hurdles athlete Rhys Williams is supporting Champions for Health and acknowledged that it will be tougher to stay motivated and healthy at Christmas.

He said: “Christmas is probably the hardest period of the year to stay healthy and keep fit. Supermarkets promote many unhealthy foods, many facilities for keeping fit are closed, and the weather is usually cold.

“All these mean our motivation is tested during this period but if you can plan in advance time for eating healthy or exercising, the Christmas period won’t set all your hard work back a step.

“If you become healthier you keep well for longer which is the best Christmas gift you could hope for.”

Dr Chris Potter, a senior lecturer in public health at Cardiff University, who developed the campaign said its aim was to help tackle some of the major public health issues facing Wales.

He said: “We know that many people in Wales need to make changes to their lifestyles to improve their health and the long-term health of the nation.

“That’s why Champions for Health is so important to the health and well-being of the NHS, the people of Wales and the economy – it can really make a difference.”

“Good health is vital to ensure we have a prosperous and sustainable Wales. The facts show that changes need to be made and there are so many positive results that can come as a result of people living healthier lifestyles.

“Even small changes in health behaviours can lead to significant increase in life expectancy. For example, giving up smoking can add up to five years and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day could add a further three years to life expectancy.

“The focus of Champions for Health is that if you become healthier you keep well for longer and can reduce the chances of developing chronic conditions that limit quality of life and put pressure on much needed resources.”

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